What is the Hungary Golden Visa?

The Hungary Golden Visa, or the Guest Investor Residence Permit, is a residence by investment programme launched in 2024. It is designed to attract foreign capital and talent by offering a streamlined path to long-term Hungarian residency for non-EU nationals[1]. 

To qualify, applicants either purchase units in a state-approved Hungarian real estate fund or make a donation to a Hungarian higher education institution. 

Hungary’s residence by investment is valid for 10 years and can be extended once for another decade. This long-term validity provides greater stability and planning certainty for international applicants. It also creates a clear path to permanent residence and, eventually, EU citizenship. 

The Hungarian Investor Visa is particularly attractive to families seeking access to high-quality education, favourable tax conditions, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Hungary Investor Visa options

Foreigners can choose one of two options under the Hungary residence by investment programme, each requiring different amounts[1]. The real estate purchase option is not available.

Real estate fund investment — €250,000+

The investment is made in units of a Hungarian real estate fund, which must meet the following requirements:

• be registered with the Hungarian National Bank;
• be listed as a qualified market operator by the Constitution Protection Office; 
• invest at least 40% of its assets in residential real estate in Hungary. 

Investors must hold a share certificate with a minimum value of €250,000, and the investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.

Donation to higher education — €1,000,000+

The donation of at least €1,000,000 is made to a Hungarian institution of higher learning maintained by a public interest trust foundation. This type of investment supports education, scientific research, and creative activities.

Regardless of the chosen route, the investor must provide evidence of accommodation in Hungary in order to register their place of residence.

Originally, there was an option to purchase a residential property worth €500,000 to obtain the Golden Visa. The real estate route was due to become available starting January 1st, 2025. However, the option was removed from the legislation shortly before its planned launch. 

The Hungarian authorities did not explain the decision in detail. However, market experts suggested that one reason could be concern about pressure on the housing market. The €500,000 minimum might have encouraged sellers to increase property values to match the programme threshold.

Instead, Hungary retained a more regulated route through real estate funds, allowing investors to gain exposure to the property sector without creating the same level of direct demand for individual homes.

Who can apply for Hungary residence by investment

The Hungarian Investment Visa is available to non-EU and non-EEA nationals who meet specific criteria.

The main applicant must be over 18 years old with a clean criminal record and a legitimate source of funds for investment. Health insurance coverage is also necessary. 

Applicants must have sufficient funds for travel and living expenses during their stay in the country. Their entrance and stay in Hungary should not threaten the country’s national policy, social security, or public health.

Family members can benefit from the same residency rights as the primary applicant. The visa application can include:

• spouse;
• children under 18;
• financially dependent parents of the main applicant or their spouse.

If applicants hold US passports, they must have second citizenship to be eligible to apply for Hungary residence by investment.

Hungary residence by investment cost

The total cost of participating in the Hungary residency by investment programme depends on the selected route and the number of family members included in the application.

Investment-related expenses

Expenses under the real estate fund option. The applicant must cover the following additional costs:

• administrative fee — €25,000, plus €1,000 per family member, starting with the 5th;
• fees for managing a brockerage account for 5 years — €8,700.

Expenses under the donation option. The donation route involves a non-refundable donation to a Hungarian university managed by a public-interest trust. It supports education, scientific research, and innovation.

Compared to the real estate fund route, the donation option is more expensive and does not allow the funds to be returned. However, residence permits issued through this route can be extended without the need to make a new donation.

Other expenses

Regardless of the chosen route, the investor must rent or purchase housing in Hungary to register their address, which is a requirement for residency. For reference, renting a one-bedroom apartment in central Budapest costs around €750 per month.

The investor should also budget approximately €300—500 annually per person for private medical insurance, depending on age and the level of coverage.

Hungary residence by investment costs compared

Expense	Real estate fund	Higher education donation
Minimum investment	€250,000	€1,000,000
Administrative fee	€25,000+ €1,000 per family member, starting with the 5th	€25,000+ €1,000 per family member, starting with the 5th
Account management fee	€8,700	—
Health insurance	€300+	€300+
Total cost	€284,000+	€1,025,300+

Required documents for the Hungary residence by investment application

To apply for a Hungary Guest Investor Visa followed by a residence permit, the investor must submit the following documents:

• passport valid for at least 12 months;
• two recent passport-sized photographs;
• health insurance valid in Hungary;
• written confirmation of the intention to fulfil the investment condition;
• proof of legitimate source and availability of funds for the chosen investment option;
• police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of residence;
• bank statements indicating a cash balance;
• CV for each family member over 18;
• marriage and birth certificates, if applicable;
• completed and signed residence permit application form;
• proof of accommodation in Hungary;
• confirmation of investment.

11 benefits of the Hungary residence by investment

Designed for those seeking stability, mobility, and access to Europe, the programme combines flexible residence conditions with favourable tax rules, family inclusion, and a clear long-term perspective.

1. Travel freedom across Europe

Hungarian residents can travel to other European countries visa-free. Thus, investors can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Hungary benefits from its strategic location in Central Europe, providing convenient access to almost any country within the Schengen Area. Budapest has direct flights to many major European cities, often taking 1—3 hours. Neighbouring countries such as Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Slovenia can also be reached within a few hours by train or car. This makes both business and leisure travel across Europe relatively easy.

2. Moving to Hungary

Residence permit holders can enter Hungary at any time, even if borders are closed to tourists. Investors and their families can live there permanently or visit occasionally.

Hungary was ranked 15th among the world’s safest countries by the Global Peace Index 2026[2]. It has a growing economy and offers a high standard of living with access to quality healthcare and education. According to the Global Liveability Index 2026[3], Budapest is ranked 36th among the 173 cities worldwide.

3. Tax benefits

Hungary has some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. The income tax rate is 15%, and the corporate tax rate is 9%. The country has also signed double taxation treaties with many countries, including Canada, the UAE, and the UK. This can provide significant tax relief for international investors.

However, simply holding a residence permit by investment does not make a person a Hungarian tax resident or automatically make them eligible for tax benefits.

4. Residence permit for the whole family

The Hungary residence permit by investment programme allows the inclusion of the investor’s spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent parents in the application, enabling families to relocate together.

Each family member receives their own residence permit card, giving them an individual legal status in Hungary and making it easier to access everyday services, travel, study, or work.

5. Work and business opportunities

The Hungary residence permit by investment allows applicants to work without a separate work permit, start a business, engage in independent activities, and act as chief executives of their companies. Major sectors include IT, financial services, tourism, and business services.

Budapest in particular is home to a large number of multinational companies, start-ups, shared service centres, and professional service providers, creating opportunities for both employment and entrepreneurship.

6. Access to European banks

Hungarian residents can open bank accounts in Hungary and elsewhere in the EU. They usually need to provide a passport and residence permit card. Banks still carry out standard KYC and anti-money laundering checks and may request additional documents, such as proof of address, tax information, and evidence of the source of funds.

7. Educational opportunities

Hungary offers a good standard of education with public and private schools. International schools in Budapest provide education in English and other languages.

Hungarian universities are well-regarded, attracting students worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027[4], 10 Hungarian universities are among the top 1,500 globally, including those offering programmes in English. Hungarian diplomas are widely recognised in the EU, the US, and the UK.

8. High-quality healthcare

Hungary offers both public and private healthcare and is a well-established destination for medical and health tourism. Private medical services, particularly dentistry, diagnostics, orthopaedics, and aesthetic treatments, are available at competitive prices. 

The country is also known for its thermal and medicinal waters, spa treatments, and dental services.

9. No residency requirement

Unlike many other Hungarian residence permits, which require at least 90 days of presence within any 180-day period for extension, the Guest Investor Residence Permit has no minimum stay requirement. This gives investors and their families greater flexibility to live, work, and travel internationally without affecting their status.

10. EU residency for a long time

The Hungary residence by investment is granted for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period. This is more favourable compared, for instance, to the Portuguese Golden Visa, which must be extended every 2 years.

11. Path to EU citizenship

Foreigners can apply for Hungarian permanent residence after 3 years of living in the country under the investment programme. After a further 8 years, investors and their families may be eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship, gaining the full rights of EU citizens.

Acquiring permanent residence and citizenship in Hungary after a residence permit by investment

After obtaining residence permits, investors and their families can eventually acquire permanent residence and citizenship.

Permanent residence

Permanent residence can be applied for after 3 years of continuous residence in Hungary. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• have a clean criminal record;
• prove sufficient means of subsistence;
• have suitable accommodation in Hungary;
• hold comprehensive healthcare coverage;
• pass the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam.

During these 3 years, investors cannot leave Hungary for more than 4 months in a row. Additionally, they must not spend more than 270 days in total outside the country during this period.

Permanent residence grants an indefinite right to reside in Hungary, although the physical card is issued for up to 10 years and can be extended for another 10 years. The status may be withdrawn in certain circumstances, including an absence from Hungary exceeding 6 months[5].

Citizenship

Applying for Hungarian citizenship is possible after 8 years of living in the country with permanent residence. This means that the total time spent living in Hungary before applying for citizenship would be at least 11 years: 3 years to gain permanent residency and another 8 years to qualify for citizenship[6].

Applicants must pass a citizenship test, which includes both written and oral parts in the Hungarian language. They also need to prove that they have a clean criminal record, sufficient means of subsistence, and a place to live in Hungary.

Hungarian citizenship provides the full rights of an EU citizen, including the right to live, work, and study across the European Union. Hungarian passport holders enjoy simplified access to 182 destinations worldwide through visa-free travel, visa on arrival, or electronic travel authorisation, including the UK, the US, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.

Other pathways to Hungary residence permit

In addition to the investment route, Hungary offers several other pathways for foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit.

Employment

A residence permit for employment is valid for up to 2 years and may be extended for another year. Applicants must have a preliminary employment agreement or contract with an eligible employer in Hungary.

As of 2026, new applications under this route are available to nationals of Georgia, Armenia, and the Philippines[7].

EU Blue Card

Highly skilled professionals can apply for this permit, which is valid for up to 4 years and can be extended for up to another 4 years. Applicants need a higher education qualification or, for certain IT positions, sufficient relevant professional experience, as well as an employment contract or preliminary agreement for at least 6 months.

In 2026, the minimum gross monthly salary is HUF 1,001,048, or around €2,750, with a lower threshold of HUF 800,838, or around €2,200, for some healthcare professions[8].

Digital Nomad Visa

The Hungary White Card caters for remote workers employed by companies outside Hungary. Applicants must show proof of remote employment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. They must also prove a monthly income of at least €3,000 for the 6 months preceding their entry and maintain this level of income during their stay[9].

The White Card is valid for 1 year and can be renewed once for another year. Once the permit expires, its holder must leave the country or apply for a permit on different grounds. 

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs and company executives may qualify for a residence permit if they can demonstrate genuine business activity and sufficient resources[10].

There is no fixed minimum investment required specifically for the residence permit, as capital requirements depend on the chosen legal form of the company. For example, a Hungarian limited liability company, or Kft, requires minimum share capital of HUF 3 million[11], equivalent to around €8,200 as of September 2026.

Student visa

Enrollment in a recognised Hungarian educational institution grants the student a residence permit for the duration of their study programme. Applicants must provide an acceptance letter, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance.

The permit is valid for at least 1 year and up to 3 years, depending on the duration of the study programme[12].

Family reunification

Family members of Hungarian citizens or residents can apply for a residence permit for family reunification. Eligibility and permit duration depend on the sponsor’s immigration status[13]. 

The permit is usually valid for up to 3 years, while family members of Guest Investor Residence Permit holders may receive permits valid for up to 10 years. Applicants must provide evidence of their family relationship, sufficient resources, accommodation, and healthcare coverage.

The number of foreign citizens residing in Hungary in 2018–2026

​​Hungary residency latest updates

Hungary’s residency framework has undergone several targeted changes in recent years, including updates to investment routes, application deadlines, and work-related permits. However, the core terms of the residence by investment programme itself have remained unchanged in 2026.

Removal of direct property investment

The most significant change to Hungary’s residence by investment programme was the removal of the direct property purchase option. The route was originally expected to allow investors to qualify by purchasing residential property worth at least €500,000, but it was abolished before becoming operational in January 2025[14].

As a result, investors can currently qualify through one of two routes: a minimum €250,000 investment in an eligible real estate fund or a €1 million donation to a higher education institution.

Shortened application deadline

The deadline for applying for the Guest Investor Residence Permit after entering Hungary has been reduced. Under the original rules, investors had up to 93 days from their first legal entry to submit the application. Under the current procedure, they must apply within 30 days of their first legal entry.

Tighter employment immigration rules

Hungary tightened employment-based immigration rules in 2026. New applications for the Guest Worker Residence Permit were suspended for all third-country nationals starting June 6th, 2026[15]. 

At the same time, the standard residence permit for employment remains available to nationals of Georgia, Armenia, and the Philippines.

Everything you need to know before relocating to Hungary

Relocating to Hungary involves more than arranging residence formalities. Daily life, costs, language, and local customs all play an important role in the overall experience of living in the country. Below are outlined the key aspects of life in Hungary, helping to set clear expectations before making the move.

Location and climate

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The climate is continental, with cold winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures often exceed +30°C, or 86°F.

Language

The official language is Hungarian, or Magyar, which is unique and not closely related to other European languages. Learning basic Hungarian phrases can be helpful, though English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.

Cost of living

Hungary has a lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. Overall consumer prices are approximately 45% lower than in Denmark, 40% lower than in Norway, 36% lower than in Sweden, and 15—20% lower than in Italy and Malta[16]. A single person can live on around €1,000—1,200 per month in Hungary, whereas in Italy, maintaining a similar lifestyle would cost €1,500—1,600.

Life in Budapest, the capital, is more expensive than in smaller towns and rural areas. However, housing costs are still relatively affordable. In 2026, city-centre apartment prices per square metre in Budapest are around half those in Stockholm and approximately 46% lower than in Copenhagen. Housing and utilities, transport, and many everyday services also remain below the EU average.

Housing

Finding a place to live in Hungary can vary in difficulty depending on the city. In Budapest, there are many options, including apartments and houses for rent. It is common to use real estate agents or online platforms to find accommodation. Rental prices in Budapest are higher than in other parts of the country.

Transportation

Hungary has an extensive public transportation system. In Budapest, buses, trams, and a metro system provide convenient travel options. Trains and buses connect the capital with other cities and towns. Owning a car is also an option, especially for those living outside urban areas.

Culture and lifestyle

Hungary has an extensive history and is home to many festivals, museums, and historical sites. The lifestyle is generally relaxed, with a strong focus on family and social life. Hungarians are known for their hospitality and enjoy traditional food, music, and dance.

Food and cuisine

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with popular dishes like goulash, paprikash, and lángos. Markets and restaurants offer a wide variety of foods. Hungarian wines are also well-known and worth trying.

Key takeaways about Hungarian residence by investment

1. The Hungary residence by investment programme allows foreigners and their families to reside in Hungary by investing in the country’s economy.
2. Hungarian residence allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
3. Investors can choose from two investment options: real estate funds worth at least €250,000 or a €1,000,000 donation to higher education.
4. The visa includes the investor’s spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent parents.
5. The Hungarian residence permit is valid for 10 years and can be extended for another 10 years.
6. Permanent residence is possible after 3 years of continuously living in Hungary, and citizenship after 8 years with permanent residence.

Sources

1. Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — Residence permit for guest investor
2. Institute for Economics & Peace — Global Peace Index 2026
3. Economist Enterprise — Global Liveability Index 2026
4. QS TopUniversities — World University Rankings 2027
5. Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — National Residence Card
6. Source: Hungarian National Legislation Database — Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian citizenship
7. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — Residence permit for the purpose of employment
8. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — EU Blue Card
9. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — White Card, residency for digital nomads
10. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — Residence permit for guest self-employment
11. Source: Hungarian National Legislation Database — Civil Code of Hungary
12. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — Residence of the student, pupil
13. Source: Hungary National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification
14. Source: Hungarian Official Gazette — Issue No. 131 of 2024, December 20th, 2024
15. Daily News Hungary — Hungary has suspended new guest worker permits
16. Source: Statistics Norway — Comparison of price levels in Europe